"I CARE": MU Strengthens Sustainability and Community Partnerships during the Nestor Feliciano Day 2024
As part of a bigger community, Misamis University demonstrates its role in the community as an academe by implementing projects and partnerships that protect the environment, engage youth and professionals in literacy and life-long learning, advocate for sanitation and healthy lifestyles, and generate livelihood. Misamis University addresses global issues aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations because MU takes pride in its values of “I-CARE”: innovation, compassion, adaptability, responsibility, and excellence.
The university celebrated Nestor Feliciano Day on November 14, 2024. It was a day to honor the late university president (1984 to 2006). The Misamis University Community Extension Program (MUCEP) was established in 1977 during his leadership to organize extension activities. The office initiated a ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement branded as the Partnerships for Sustainable Development. Misamis University penned a collaboration with Mt. Malindang Tourism Federation, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Misamis Annex Integrated School, Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center, Linusas-Laburak Cooperative, Barra Elementary School, and Barra Barangay Council.
Mt. Malindang Tourism Federation
Mt. Malindang Crossborder Tourism (MMCBT) encompasses tourism sites from Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga del Norte. This partnership stemmed from one of the outcomes of the Department of Science and Technology PCIEERD project implemented by MU known as the Research-Based Capacity Building on Science Communication for an Ecologically Adaptive Tourism Management Contingent to Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Misamis Occidental. This partnership will be an avenue to promote and protect Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park through educational field trips, IEC/CEPA materials, policy options, research, and extension activities.
"Ang iba, they are so proud that they've been to other places, dapat tayo, dito muna. We assure you very beautiful itong mga spots. Atong destinations more beautiful. Ako, I've visited other countries pero hindi matatalo ang view, falls… blessed talaga tayo that in one hour pwede na pumunta…" Atty. Orlando M. Salatandre, MMCBT Federation President, encouraged the audience to visit the tourist spots. The federation plans for an update on their tour packages which will be released on their official Facebook page Mt. Malindang Crossborder Tourism.
The federation's tourism site owners joined the celebration with the presence of Mrs. Ladelle Tagiobon (TESPI Farm, Gala Ozamiz City); Mr. Dale Chua and Mrs. Lurielle Chua (BuKids Resort, Sergio Osmeña); Ms. Romelee Kaye M. Garcia and Mr. Borge Garcia (Mabanag Spring Resort, Mahayag); Bong Bomediano (Gantaw Hills Flower Garden, Sergio Osmeña); and Atty. Orlando M. Salatandre Jr. (Villa Pablea Mountain Resort, Rizal).
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
Ms. Rayna Mae S. Baulite, BSP Assistant Bank Manager, remarked "Do you know why this partnership with Misamis University is special to us? M stands for mutual trust in creating a meaningful and positive impact, leveraging network… which brings us closer to the people. U is for unwavering commitment and collaboration which promotes growth and learning especially in promoting BSP’s initiative for financial inclusion while also affirming our dedication to making someone’s life better."
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' Employees' Welfare Committee reached out to Misamis University to collaborate with extension activities. With this affiliation, BSP will be one with MU, through the College of Business and Management, in giving technical assistance to micro-business beneficiaries for its flagship extension program Negosyo sa Kariton (NegoKart). It aims to assist small business owners in financial management (e.g. bookkeeping), marketing, and food handling.
BSP also commits to participating in environmental activities such as tree growing and coastal clean-up to MU partner communities like Barra and the MU CARES (Misamis University Center for Advocacy, Research, and Extension Services) Facility in Hoyohoy, Tangub City. On the same day, BSP also turned over an amount of money to help build communal toilets for Barra.
Misamis Annex Integrated School (MAIS)
MAIS was a partner with Misamis University Basic Education Unit during the pre-pandemic. This time, it is strengthening its ties with MU Graduate School for its programs in Master of Arts in Education and Doctor of Education through the “Reading Education Enhancement Program” (REAP). This program will promote literacy and health by providing teacher training (i.e. classroom management, mental health, and reading activities) and support for their feeding program area.
Atty. Charyljoy C. Navarez, MAIS School Principal, stated their hope for the program's success in his speech. "We join Dr. Nestor Feliciano's mission not only for Misamis Univeristy but also for its stakeholders… We are assured of the full realization of this initiative. We look forward to the day when this project comes to completion and its lasting impact to the community… para sa bata, para sa bayan." Graduate School, with the help of the University Library, turned over books and infrastructure materials (e.g. paint and nails) for their feeding area last September 2024.
Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center (MHARS MC)
"At the end of the day, I am very happy, with MHARS, ako in particular, for this significant event of MOA signing with the College of Computer Studies… in order to upgrade our computer literacy…" These are the words of Dr. Jesus Martin S. Sancianco III, MHARS Medical Center Chief. The partnership will be headed by the College of Computer Studies by crafting modules that will develop ICT skills, specifically with the use of word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, Google Applications, and email. MU will also provide the venue and facilities for the training of MHARS MC personnel.
Linusas-Laburak Cooperative (LILAC)
LILAC was established to provide water for the upland barangays in Ozamiz City. LILAC was a project initiated by the Misamis University Community Extension Program (MUCEP) in 2008. It was funded by the Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) - Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).
Ten years later, with a new set of people leading the organization, LILAC, and Misamis University collaborate for a series of activities focusing on leadership and training for organizational, financial, and project management through the Graduate School and College of Business and Management. The College of Computer Studies will be offering skills development about basic computer applications, data management, and digital literacy and technology use. Aside from technical training, the College of Engineering and Technology will assist LILAC in drafting technical or maintenance reports. Since LILAC provides water for drinking and sanitation, the College of Medical Technology will be facilitating water quality assessments.
LILAC Chairman, Mr. Edilbrando P. Camelotes, mentioned “Dako ang pasalamat jud sa Misamis University sa tabang sa among coop…” LILAC participated in the first set of training about the parts of a computer and word processing manipulation. It was arranged by the College of Computer Studies and Graduate School last October 26, 2024, at the Misamis University Computer Laboratory.
Barra Elementary School and Barra Barangay Council
The coastal community of Barra, Tudela has been a long-time partner of the College of Maritime Education since 2010. Through the MOA, the Barra Barangay Council and the Barra Elementary School will jointly work with Misamis University Colleges and Departments to promote extension services and to advocate for literacy, health, livelihood, and the environment.
Hon. Jimson G. Faunillan, Barra Barangay Captain, during his words of response expressed he is an alumnus of Misamis University. "First time ni nahitabo sa among barangay so dako kaayo ko’g kalipay nga akong eskwelahan nahimo nakong partner. Ako ni sila ampingan… cooperate ko… hinaot forever ta nga partner." The responsibility for the partnership has always been reciprocal for both parties. Whenever extension activities are planned, Barra Barangay Council has been supportive and action-oriented.
"I am thrilled since this marks a significant milestone in our journey in Barra Elementary School… wala ko nasipyat nga dawaton ilang hangyo nga musulod sa eskwelahan, nakita nako, labi estudyante pa gani to, on how to teach young learners…" Head Teacher Arben P. Añabeza recounted the first time MU did an extension program at Barra Elementary School during the October 2024 Joint Community Extension. The Colleges of Education, Criminology, and Arts and Sciences implemented tutorial sessions about reading, numeracy, cybercrime protection, and basic concepts in English. The College of Computer Studies conducted computer maintenance and repair for the school. The College of Engineering inspected buildings and electrical wirings. They are currently designing the communal toilets for Barra. Meanwhile, the Colleges of Dentistry, Medical Technology, and Nursing, Midwifery, and Radiologic Technology, and the Misamis University Medical Center (MUMC) offered health services. The Graduate School donated school supplies and toilet bowls. The College of Business and Management prepared the food for the feeding activity. The College of Agriculture and Forestry distributed IEC materials about urban gardening. The College of Maritime Education implemented a coastal clean-up.
Misamis University recognizes the community where it belongs while bringing the values of "I-CARE": innovation, compassion, adaptability, responsibility, and excellence that nurtured the school community. The institution heeds the call of the challenged communities with partnerships and programs that impact the environment, health, education, and livelihood systems to make lives better towards sustainability.